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Discover Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship at the Foot of Sacred Koyasan

A place where ancient wisdom meets sustainable innovation

Koya-Sanroku—located at the foot of Koyasan—is home to a hidden treasure of Japan, still largely unknown to the world. For over 120 years, it has been the country's leading hub for pile fabric (brushed textile) production, carrying on a tradition of eco-friendly craftsmanship. Discover the masterful skills of artisans recognized by world-renowned brands and experience authentic Japanese culture you won't find at typical tourist spots—creating lasting memories.

3 Reasons to Visit the Koya-Sanroku Area

01

The Real Japan Beyond the Usual Tourist Destinations

  • Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture, preserved because it remains untouched by tourism
  • Connect with local artisans and enjoy heartwarming interactions that transcend language barriers
  • Create your own original items
02

The Only Place in the World for Comprehensive Eco-Fur Production

  • The heart of the pile fabric industry with 120 years of history
  • Committed to environmentally friendly manufacturing that does not harm animals
  • Uncompromising quality trusted by the world's top luxury brands
03

The Perfect Location to Enjoy Koyasan and Its Surroundings

  • 50 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train from Koyasan
  • About 50 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport
  • Conveniently located about 70 minutes by train from Osaka

The Story of Sacred Craftsmanship Unfolds
at the Gateway to Koyasan

Koyaguchi—An Area Where Faith and Industry Intertwine

Koyaguchi in Hashimoto City has been a sacred post town welcoming pilgrims to Koyasan for more than 1,200 years. Even today, the tradition of bringing offerings to Koyasan is kept alive, and the entire area is steeped in a rich history of faith. Just strolling through the streets, you will feel a mix of nostalgia and a touch of the divine.

During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Koyaguchi flourished—supported by abundant groundwater—as Japan's sole comprehensive center for pile fabric production. At its peak, an astonishing 400 factories operated there.Even today, workshops passed down through three or four generations, carrying forward the spirit of craftsmanship nurtured in this sacred land, continue to produce the world's finest eco-fur while protecting the environment. Their techniques, acclaimed by top European and American fashion brands as unique to this region, continue to thrive.

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1-Night, 2-Day Sample Itinerary

A Journey of Prayer and
Craftsmanship at Koyasan and
its Foothill Town

Day 1
Experience traditional crafts and a sacred shukubo stay (pilgrim lodging)
Departure from Nankai Namba Station by Nankai Koya Line limited express train

Start your extraordinary journey while enjoying the beautiful Japanese scenery from the train window

Arrival at Hashimoto Station →
Visit Taenaka Pile Fabrics (Koyaguchi Pile)

Enjoy an artisan-guided tour of a traditional craft workshop

Lunch

Savor seasonal handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) in a century-old Japanese-style house

Participate in an eco-fur workshop at Okada Textile

Make an original souvenir with your own hands

Head to Koyasan (about a 50-minute drive through stunning mountain scenery)
Arrival at the shukubo (pilgrim lodging)

Experience a special pilgrim lodging stay steeped in 1,200 years of history

Ajikan meditation experience
Dinner

Enjoy a heartwarming, healthy, vegetarian-style dining experience at the pilgrim lodging

Day 2
Deeply feel the sacred atmosphere of Koyasan with all your senses
Morning gongyo (religious services)

*Gongyo is a ritual of chanting sutras and shomyo (Buddhist liturgical singing) to honor the Buddha

Breakfast

Have a vegetarian-style breakfast at the pilgrim lodging

Visit and explore the Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex

*The Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex is the first site established on Koyasan by the famous monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi)

Participate in a tea ceremony, make sesame tofu, and more
Lunch

Vegetarian-style Kaiseki multi-course meal with sesame tofu

Visit Okunoin Temple (from Nakanohashi Bridge to Ichinohashi Bridge)

*Okunoin Temple is home to Kukai's mausoleum and, along with the Danjo Garan Temple Complex, one of the two major sacred sites of Koyasan

Goma Fire Ritual performed at Shojoshinin Temple

*The Goma Fire Ritual is a sacred fire ceremony where Goma wooden prayer sticks, rice, incense, and other offerings are burned to purify your worldly desires and sending your prayers to the Buddha

Departure from Koyasan Station → Arrival at Nankai Namba Station

Return home with unforgettable memories and one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs!

Special Hands-On Activities

Join these unique workshops to create special souvenirs using eco-fur—the pride of the Koya-Sanroku area!

  • Activity 1: Create an eco-fur charm filled with prayers for the sacred mountain
Time required 1 hour
Price JPY 3,000 per person (materials included; you can take it home on the day)
Capacity 2-20 people
Location Okada Textile
Languages English and Chinese

Handcraft an eco-fur charm perfect for everyday use, inspired by the bonten (round tassel ornaments) from the yuigesa, a Buddhist stole once traditionally worn by the Yamabushi monks of Koyasan. Once your charm is complete, it might be nice to wear it when visiting Koyasan.

Activity flow

Learn about Koyaguchi's history and the story behind eco fur.

You will discover the history of Koyaguchi, Japan's only comprehensive pile fabric production area, and how its high-quality eco-fur has gained acclaim from leading international brands.

Choose your favorite color and pile length from the prepared furs.

Enjoy your pick of ten varieties!

Next, sew it all together, shaping your charm into a ball and filling it with stuffing.

Finally, tighten the opening securely and tie it so it won't come undone. Children are encouraged to do this step with an adult's help.

Attach the strap and it's complete—perfect for hanging on your bag.

Take it along with you when you visit Koyasan!

  • Activity 2: Make your own
    eco-fur piece
Time required 2 hours
Price JPY 22,000 per person (you can take it home; shipping is also possible)
Capacity 2-20 people
Location Okada Textile
Languages English and Chinese

Craft a fully custom piece, such as bags or scarves, using high-quality eco-fur sought after by buyers from global brands.
You can choose a shawl, bag, vest, or cushion cover to create. (Additional charges may apply depending on the piece you order.)

Activity flow

Learn about Koyaguchi's history and the story behind eco fur.

You will discover the history of Koyaguchi, Japan's only comprehensive pile fabric production area, and how its high-quality eco-fur has gained acclaim from leading international brands.

Choose your favorite from over 50 types of materials.

First, decide on the item you'd like to create—a shawl, bag, vest, or cushion cover. Next, explore more than 50 options in pile length, fabric, and color, and select the combination that feels and looks just right for you.

Consult with the artisan to finalize your design.

Simply select materials and colors from existing patterns or opt for a completely original design. With the artisan's expert guidance, you'll finalize the details and commission the finished work.

Your one-of-a-kind creation will be delivered to you at a later date.

Some items can be completed in as little as one week, although fully original designs may take over a month. Shipping is available both within Japan and overseas (shipping fees apply).You'll receive a special piece filled with memories of your journey.

Nearby Attractions:

Exploring Sacred Sites of History and Faith

Niutsuhime Shrine(about 30 minutes by car)

Niutsuhime Shrine is located in the Amano Basin, which stretches across the foothills of Koyasan at an elevation of 450 meters. This historically profound shrine, established over 1,700 years ago, is revered as a deity that ward off all calamities. Historically, it has a deep connection with Koyasan and is also worshipped as the god who bestowed Koyasan upon Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Furthermore, the shrine, along with Koyasan, is registered as a World Heritage Site under the name "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," and its sacred atmosphere captivates all who visit.

Koyasan (about 50 minutes by car)

Founded by the revered monk Kukai, Koyasan is the sacred ground of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2004, it preserves 21 National Treasures and 148 Important Cultural Properties. A mystical atmosphere pervades the vast grounds, surrounded by the Kii Mountains, where you can truly feel the presence of 1,200 years of continuous devotion.

Experience the mystery of this timeless sanctuary, which includes the vermilion pagoda within the Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex, the Kongobuji Temple with one of Japan's largest rock gardens, and Okunoin Temple, where some 200,000 gravestones line the sacred approach.

A Transformative Experience for the Soul

Turn your visit into a profound journey of insight and inspiration with these special experiences at Koyasan.

Premium Buddhist Hospitality Meal

Time required : about 1.5 hours
Price : JPY 45,000 per person
Capacity : minimum 2 people, maximum 20 people
Location : Shukubo (pilgrim lodging) in Koyasan
Start time : 5:30pm or 6:00pm

Experience the ultimate form of Japanese hospitality through a Buddhist monk's meticulous service and exquisite Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).

The roots of Japan's omotenashi (hospitality) spirit can be traced back to the temple ritual of Furemaizen—a meal presented by the monks to guests of Koyasan. Each carefully executed motion, from the subtle movement of the hands, embodies Japan's spirituality and aesthetic sensitivity—a living art to be experienced through all five senses.

Sesame Tofu Making Experience

Time required : about 1 to 1.5 hours
Price : Up to 2 people / Per person (ages 6 and up) ¥4,500
3 or more people / Per person ¥3,000
Capacity : minimum 2 people, maximum 20 people
Location : Kadohama Goma Tofu Sohonpo Odawara Store
Takeaway : You can take home the sesame tofu you make.

You will hand-make sesame tofu, a signature dish of Koyasan's Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, under the guidance of a craftsman. Made simply from sesame, kudzu starch, and water, this traditional food is celebrated for its silky texture and rich flavor—a true reflection of master craftsmanship.

The mindful process of making sesame tofu is itself a meditative experience, much like Zen practice.

Pilgrimage Tour Guided by a Monk

Time required : about 2 to 3 hours
Price : negotiable (depending on group size)
Capacity : minimum 2 people, maximum 10 people
Location : Koyasan (Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex, Kongobuji Temple, Okunoin Temple)
Private : available (additional fee applies)

A monk who trained on Koyasan will guide you through the teachings of Buddhism, esoteric philosophy, and the profound ideas of Kukai. Unlike ordinary tours, this experience offers rare insights and authentic stories that reveal the deeper truths behind the sacred sites and their history—an unforgettable journey of learning and reflection. For inquiries, please contact us at: info@koya36.com

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Access Information to Hashimoto